20 Things to Do in Toronto This Civic Holiday Long Weekend

Includes: What is Open and What is Closed in Toronto on the Civic Holiday

If you’re spending the Simcoe Day (Civic Holiday- August 3, 2026) long weekend in Toronto, you’ll find no shortage of ways to make the most of the extra day off. From relaxing on Toronto’s beaches and exploring the expanded and most impressive Biidaasige Park to visiting free museums, conservatories and family attractions, there’s something for every age and budget.

Here’s your personal guide to what’s open, what’s free and the best things to do in Toronto this August long weekend.

Visit Toronto’s Newest Waterfront Destination

One of the city’s newest attractions, Biidaasige Park, has recently expanded with the addition of Canoe Cove and Lassonde Art Trail West, a new waterfront promenade featuring spectacular skyline views, more green space, walking and cycling trails, playgrounds and water play features. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic, family outing or leisurely stroll along Toronto’s revitalized waterfront.

Cool Off at Toronto’s Beaches and Outdoor Pools

Toronto’s 10 supervised swimming beaches will be open throughout the long weekend. Before heading out, visitors are encouraged to check beach conditions online.

Outdoor pools, splash pads and wading pools will also be open on Monday, Aug. 3, with leisure swimming available at outdoor pool locations.

When enjoying the water, remember to:

Swim only in supervised areas while lifeguards are on duty.
Stay within arm’s reach of young children.
Never swim alone or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated and limit prolonged sun exposure.
Call 911 in an emergency.

Spend the Day at Toronto Island Park

Toronto Island Park is expected to be one of the busiest destinations of the weekend.

To avoid long waits, visitors should purchase ferry tickets online before arriving. Online ticket holders can use the express entrance at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.

For shorter lineups, travel outside peak ferry hours, generally:

To the islands: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Returning to the city: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Free Things to Do This Weekend

Looking for activities that won’t cost a thing? Toronto offers plenty of free attractions.

Allan Gardens Conservatory and Centennial Park Conservatory

Both conservatories are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission.

Toronto History Museums

Admission is free at Toronto’s history museums throughout the weekend. Most museums will operate regular weekend hours before closing on Monday. Fort York National Historic Site will reopen on Wednesday, Aug. 5.

Riverdale Farm

One of the city’s favourite family attractions, Riverdale Farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

High Park Animal Display

Visit llamas, bison, peacocks and other animals at the High Park Animal Display, open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the weekend.

Visitors should note that roads inside High Park are closed to vehicles on weekends and holidays.

Tennis and Pickleball

Public tennis and pickleball courts remain open across the city. Players are encouraged to limit games to 30 minutes when others are waiting.

Tee Off at a City Golf Course

City of Toronto golf courses are set to open

Toronto’s five municipal golf courses will remain open throughout the long weekend. Tee times should be booked in advance.

Visit the Toronto Zoo

The Toronto Zoo will be open every day of the long weekend from 9:30 a.m. until 7 p.m., making it another great family destination.

Browse St. Lawrence Market

The historic St. Lawrence Market will operate on its regular weekend schedule:

Saturday: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday Farmers’ Market: 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday: Closed

What’s Closed on Monday?

Some City facilities will close on the Civic Holiday, including:

Indoor pools and community centres
Cultural centres and galleries
Toronto Public Library branches

Library cardholders can still access digital books, audiobooks, movies, magazines and music online throughout the weekend.

What Else is Closed on Monday?

Government & Services: City administrative offices (including Mississauga City Hall and Toronto City Hall), ServiceOntario, and municipal offices.
No Mail: No mail delivery.
Finance: Banks and credit unions are closed.

What Else is Open on the Civic Holiday Monday?

Malls & Shopping: CF Toronto Eaton Centre (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Yorkdale Shopping Centre (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), CF Sherway Gardens (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Square One Shopping Centre, and Toronto Premium Outlets (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.).
Groceries & Convenience: Rabba Fine Foods (24 hours), select Metro, No Frills, Farm Boy, and FreshCo locations with varied hours, and select LCBO and Beer Store locations. [1, 2]
Attractions: CN Tower (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.), Canada’s Wonderland (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.), Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.), Royal Ontario Museum (10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.), and the Toronto Zoo (9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.). [1, 2]
Transit: TTC operates on a holiday schedule; MiWay runs on a Sunday schedule, and GO Transit runs on a Saturday schedule.

TTC Holiday Service

The TTC will operate on its holiday schedule on Monday, Aug. 3. Riders are encouraged to check schedules before travelling.

Fireworks Are Not Permitted

Thinking about lighting fireworks? Not so fast. Unlike Victoria Day or Canada Day, the Civic Holiday isn’t a designated fireworks holiday in Toronto. Unless you’ve obtained a permit from Toronto Fire Services, fireworks aren’t allowed, and they’re never permitted in parks, on beaches, balconies or streets.

Residents may only set off fireworks on their own property with a permit from Toronto Fire Services. Fireworks are prohibited in city parks, beaches, balconies, streets, parking lots and other public spaces.

Illegal fireworks or misuse of fireworks can be reported to 311.

Before heading out, visitors are encouraged to check operating hours and service updates for attractions and facilities, particularly those with holiday schedules.

Notes from City of Toronto